English whisky company Samuel Gulliver & Co. has launched a whisky to coincide with the start of the Rugby World Cup.

The new expression, the Fine Drop, has been released to mark 20 years since England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, thanks to a drop goal scored by Johnny Wilkinson in the final minute of the team's deciding match against Australia.

The Fine Drop has been produced from Concerto barley and was distilled by the English Whisky Company in Norfolk. In honour of the host nation of this year's Rugby World Cup, France, the spirit has been part-matured in ex-red wine casks from Margaux in Bordeaux (making Samuel Gulliver the first English whisky company to release an expression finished in Margaux casks).

The expression will join Samuel Gulliver's No. 6 single malt whisky as an official whisky of England Rugby. 

Stuart Gulliver, founder of Samuel Gulliver & Co., said: “We are absolutely delighted to be unveiling our latest expression, the Fine Drop. This exceptional English whisky pays homage to the historic moment when England's rugby team clinched victory against Australia with an unforgettable drop goal to become world champions.

“I’ve played and coached rugby for 50 years, including coaching some of team playing in the World Cup, so being the official whisky of England Rugby is a real personal thrill for me and my three rugby-playing sons.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, without chill filtration and with natural colour, the Fine Drop is available at samuelgulliver.com and through specialist retailers priced at £79.